Toubkal for the weekend: Climbing Northern Africa's highest mountain : Trip Reports : SummitPost Late night Dinner in Imlil Riad Atlas Toubkal in Imlil When we arrived in Marrakech our Taxi driver was already waiting for us. He had a big sign with my name on it, well not entirely, but something that looked similar. He was happy seeing us and we went out of the airport to his car. The first thing I noticed when walking out of the airport was the heat. It must have been about 35 degrees Centigrade, although it was already 8PM and getting dark. We arranged that Abdul would take us from the airport to Imlil, which is located at the base of Jbel Toubkal. Imlil is situated in the Atlas mountains at an altitude of 1900 meters. It was important for our acclimatization to go to Imlil directly to spend our first night at a higher altitude, especially since we had to sleep at 3200meters the upcoming night. When the sun had set, all mosques started to come alive. The imam started his prayers who we could hear through all the speakers surrounding the mosques.

This was a sign for the people; they could finally eat. What I forgot to mention is that it was Ramadan in Morocco at the time of our visit. Abdul parked the car, opened up his bag with food and drinks and asked if it was okay to eat and drink something. He did not eat and drink since 4 or 5 AM this morning. Of course it was… At the same time I wondered how he did it: It was in the middle of summer and temperatures tend reach to over 40 degrees C. during the day. The heat here is intense, how does he cope without drinking a single drop of water all day? While wondering about this, we got back in the car and drove off. It is a 60 mile drive from Marrakech to Imlil. In past days, this trip would cost you a day, but in recent years the road has been improved, shortening the travel time to an hour and a half. It was entirely dark soon after we left and Abdou was driving crazy fast, but I guess that’s normal here. Anyway, one hour and 15 minutes later we arrived in Imlil.

Abdou dropped us off at our Riad (more or less a hotel). The hotel owner, also named Abdou, welcomed us and showed us to our room. It was like walking into the fairytale of ‘’1001 nights’’: Flying carpets on the floors, large curtains in all colors dressing up each room and so on. We felt at home immediately. Abdou prepared dinner and shortly afterwards we went to sleep …tomorrow was going to be a long day. Riad Atlas Toubkal in Imlil Breakfast! in Imlil Imlil Sign Passing through Imlil was great. There were Roosters crowing, women cleaning clothes on the river banks and local men trying to sell all sorts of things on the streets. I remember thinking ‘’ this is the closest place to home I’ve been where the world is so completely different compared to ours.’’ After buying a large typical Moroccan scarf to protect us from the sun and gathering directions we arrived at the starting point of the trail towards Toubkal. After crossing a forest we entered the tree line quite fast. At this point, we had some amazing views towards the idyllic village called Aremd.

Aremd lies at almost 2000meters and is built on the steep hillslopes of the valley. At this point on the trail we met the first local salesmen selling all kinds of stuff from a small shop he owned along the trail. I told him I already bought a scarf back in Imlil and was waiting for him to convince me into buying some other stuff from his shop. I was quite amazed when he didn’t. He just said, ‘’no worries my friend, how are you and where are you from?’’ I told him about coming from the Netherlands and soon we were debating about Dutch Football players like Robben, van Persie and his idol from his youth: van Basten. After a nice chat we left again. While proceeding on the trail I was thinking about how nice and respectful the local people are. I expected the people to more like I experienced in for example Turkey, were they were almost dragging me into their store trying to sell stuff. I hated that, so this was a nice, unexpected experience. Sun protection Maarten and a local salesman Start of the trail just outside Imlil After passing Aremd we arrived on a big flooding plane.

It was at least a mile long and half a mile wide. It was completely covered with loose stones and debris. A local guy we passed told us about an event in the 90’s: It rained so much in the area creating very large flash floods throughout the region. This flooding plain was completely covered with fast flowing water. Lower down in the valley the flash floods destroyed many houses and killed about 50 people. It was hard to imagine an event like that occurring on this sunny July day, with temperatures above 30 degrees C. After passing the flooding plane, the trail started to gain in elevation. We ascended pretty fast, and after an hour or so we passed another shop. ‘’Michael Jackson!’’ shouted the shop owner. My friend Maarten has curly hair reminding the guy of Michael Jackson, and he was laughing about that for minutes. We decided to take a break here and drink a bottle of coca cola. The shop owner was again very nice. Besides drinks and some clothing he also sold all kinds of crystals and other minerals. They looked fantastic, almost too good to be true.

Since me and my friend Maarten both have a degree in Earth sciences we looked a little closer at the gemstones he was selling: They were all made of glass and therefore as fake as it gets, but they looked awesome nonetheless. After finishing our cola we left. The shop owner said ‘’Goodbye Michael Jackson’’ and again couldn’t stop laughing about it. Aremd and the Trailhead Looking up from the trail below Chamharouch After hiking for another hour, we entered Sidi Chamharouch, a small village at 2350 meters a.s.l. famous for its large builder. This boulder is painted white and below it is a mausoleum with a so-called tomb of the Kings of Jinns (translated Chamharouch). After chatting with some local people we continued. Many people stop here for some drinks, but since we already drank something we decided not to stay here. After Chamharouch, the amount vegetation on the flanks of the mountains is rapidly decreasing . There are some mosses and small plants present, but the area is now dominated by the typical brown/reddish rock. Large peaks rise up from the valley floor, many over the magical 4000 meter barrier.

The area is so different compared to the European Alps, but yet so beautiful. We continued walking for another hour when we spotted the Toubkal Refuges for the first time. We were now at almost 3000 meters and it was cloudy. This was perfect weather for the day. It was about 20 degrees at this altitude and without the burning sun it was easy going for us on the trail. Somewhere late in the afternoon we arrived at the Toubkal Refuges at 3200 meters of altitude. We booked an overnight stay in the newer one of the 2 Refuges: The Refuge des Mouflons. This hut is owned by the French Alpine Club. Water and Brown Rock One of the people working there showed us to our sleeping place for the night. A big room with 30 sleeping places next to each other. It can best be compared to the large sleeping rooms in huts in the European Alps, not bad to say the least. After relaxing for an hour or so, we decided to walk around for a bit. At this point I was feeling the elevation for the first time. The headache was not too bad though. My two friends were OK as well. At 7 PM dinner was ready.

We didn’t expect much being so far away from civilization, but we were pleasantly surprised with a Tajine consisting of chicken, potatoes and vegetables. It was like dining in a 4star restaurant. We also got some soup for starters and a desert. It was simply great. After dinner we walked around outside the refuge and sat down by the river. The sun was setting and the sky was getting yellow. We were just chilling, enjoying the views and enjoying the fact we were 3200m up a mountain in Northern Africa. It was getting darker and colder really fast. At this point we really needed our sweaters and warm jackets. Temperatures tend to drop here from 30 degrees during the day to below freezing point at night. After talking to some French guys who offered us some wine (much appreciated, especially since you can’t get any alcohol here, and even more since it was Ramadan at the time), we went to bed. The next day was going to be summit day!

Atlas Mountains at 3000 meters Upper part of the Trail with the Toubkal Refuges Beautiful view from the Toubkal Refuges at 3200m Toubkal Refuge Les Mouflons (3206m) Inside Refuge des Mouflons The saddle at 3500m Heading up the saddle we lost the trail, but soon found it again. An hour later we arrived at the saddle at 3500m a.s.l. and saw the immense West Face of Toubkal for the first time. We were stoked, and continued on the trail up the mountain. At this point we were already coming across some groups that had already summited. Once again we realized we should have left earlier, but still, we didn’t really care for long. After another 45 minutes we reached the saddle (tizi ’N Toubkal) connecting Toubkal with its smaller brother Toubkal West (4030m). At the saddle you have the first view towards the south and it’s just awesome. You look down into the deep towards the immense Sahara Desert.

All you can see is sand and nothing but sand, until the haze consisting of sand in the air blocks the eye from viewing any further. I gazed into the deep for some time when Maarten and Werner also arrived at the saddle. We only had 200 more vertical meters to go to the summit. We left again and decided to meet again on the summit. Toubkal West from the Tizi Col First view towards the Sahara Ras Ouanoukrim from the Tizi col at 3900m The last part was beautiful. The higher I got, the better the views. After another 30 minutes I saw a Pyramid-shaped construction sticking out of the rocks; the summit! I started hiking faster and faster and soon I realized I was only meters away from the summit of Jbel Toubkal. I was now at 4167 meters above sea level, a new height record for me. A have climbed several 4000meter peaks in the Alps, but all of them lower compared to Toubkal. I greeted a group of Italians and their local guide on the summit and sat down to enjoy the amazing views.

Soon Maarten and Werner arrived and we celebrated our summit with some summit shots and a Snickers bar. After spending almost an hour on the summit it was time to get going again. The Italians went down the South Cwm route, which is the main and easiest route to the summit from the Toubkal Refuges. Most people use this route up and down the mountain. We did not go back the same way but traversed to the North Cwm route. This route is slightly more difficult, but more quiet. Besides that, the North Cwm routes allows you to ascend another 4000 meter peak: Imouzzer and a high 3000m peak: Tibherine (3885m). While descending the North Cwm route it immediately became clear this trail is more difficult. The trail is very well visible, but steep and covered by loose debris. We had to descend very carefully. One slip and you are screwed, since any kind of help is far away here. After descending carefully we arrived at the saddle connecting Toubkal with Imouzzer. Maarten and Werner decided to stay there and wait for me while I ascended Imouzzer.

Toubkal Summit Summit view towards the South Summit view towards Imouzzer (east) Descending Toubkal's summit along the North Cwm It was a fun hike to the base of Imouzzer. The summit block involved some fun scrambling in the UIAA I grade. I enjoyed the views for a moment, took some photos (I needed some material to create a SP page for Imouzzer) and descended back to the saddle. We headed further down the North Cwm route. But only a few minutes after we left I recognized the twin summit of Tibherine and without hesitating I took off to climb this peak as well. The reward was big: I found a complete engine of a crashed plane on the summit of Tibherine. It was really awesome, sad and weird at the same time to encounter an engine atop a mountain like this. I took some photos again and left back down to catch up with my friends. Along the North Cwm route all kinds of parts of the same Plane, a Lockheed L749A, were scattered along the trail.

The Imouzzer Summit Block (4010m) Imouzzer summit view towards Biiguinnoussene (4002m) The Imouzzer- Toubkal Saddle The plane crash: The crashed airplane was on its way to the Republic of Biafra. Biafra was a secessionist state in south-eastern Nigeria that existed from 30 May 1967 to 15 January 1970, taking its name from the Bight of Biafra (the Atlantic bay to its south). On November 28- 1969, the crew was performing a cargo flight from Faro to Uli with an intermediate stop in Sao Tomé with ammunition on board. While overflying Morocco by night, the crew encountered engine problems and informed ATC they want to divert to the nearest airport. The aircraft, a Lockheed 749A, hit Mt Tibherine. All SAR operations were suspended after a few days as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. The plane was discovered two years later on July 18, 1970 by mountaineers climbing in the Toubkal region.

The debris were found on the slope of the mountain, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. All eight occupants were killed and the aircraft was totally destroyed. According to the Biafran government 3 of the 4 engines of the plane stopped working resulting in the crash. Tibherine Summit with the Plane Engine on top The Engine of the crashed Lockheed on top of Tibherine (3887m) Lockheed L749A After another hour of descending we were approaching the valley floor were the Toubkal Refuges are situated at the very end of the valley. We did not want to go back there, but reach the valley floor on a point lower in elevation. This would save us time. We descended further along the trail, or at least what we thought was the trail. Soon we realized we weren’t on a trail anymore, but simply on a steep hillslope consisting of loose debris. Turning back was not an option, so we decided to carefully go down to reach the valley floor and the trail back down to Imlil. I remember starting to slip several times, but fortunately I was able to stop sliding every time.

After 30 minutes filled with adrenaline we arrived safely at the valley floor and reached the upper part of (at 3100m) the trail of the Normal route down to Imlil. Whether we wanted or not, it was decision time: It was already 3PM and we had to descend another 1400 vertical meters and 10-15 km to get back to Imlil. It was also possible to ascend 100 meters back to the Toubkal Refuges and stay there for another night. Soon we decided we did not want to stay another night in the Refuge, so we started the long journey back to Imlil. Descision Time Descending Imouzzer; Trail between Refuges and Chamharouch Headin back down to Chamharouch There were some people coming up the route asking how long it was until the Refuges. ‘’30 Minutes’’, we said. You could see them thinking: ‘’Why on earth are you getting down the mountain this late…’’ Descent along the trail went fine, we were starting to feel tired though, but just went on and on. Eventually we reached Chamharouch again at 2350 meters.

The sun was already behind the mountains at this point, but still we decided to go through. It would still be another 2 hours back to Imlil. We were exhausted at this point. It was already 14 hours after we started walking in the morning. It felt like the trail was never ending, it just kept going and going. I could see that Maarten and Werner were at the end of their strengths as well, but they too, just kept walking and walking. When we finally arrived back in Imlil, it was already getting dark, we arrived just in time. We knocked on the door of the Riad were we stayed the night 2 days ago hoping Abdou would have a room for us. Fortunately he did, he gave us the biggest suite he had for the price of a normal room. Once again we paid only 20 euros each, including dinner and breakfast. Dinner was once again very good, especially after such a long day. Afterwards, on the Roof balcony, we drank a bottle of beer that Werner brought with him to Morocco, to celebrate our success. Not much later I laid down on my bed and fell asleep almost instantly. What an awesome day it was! Heading down....

Jbel Toubkal (13671 ft / 4167 m) Massif as seen from Imlil The Roof Terrace in Imlil Adrar Talamaroute (2724m) with Imlil (1740m) in front The next morning after breakfast we were picked up by a Taxi that drove us back fromImlil tot Marrakech. We had booked a nice Riad in the city center for our last day in Morocco. We enjoyed the views during the 1,5 hour drive to Marrakech. Especially since the last time on this road (towards Imlil) it was already late in the evening and we couldn’t see a thing. The driver dropped us off in the city center in the vicinity of our Riad. Actually, he didn’t have a clue where he was, but convinced us we were close. Although we knew he wasn’t telling the truth entirely, we thanked him and left on foot. The city center is filled with small streets, chaotic traffic and many, many people. How different compared to the peacefulness of the Atlas Mountains we came from. Soon some local boys saw us trying to locate our Riad.

They offered to help us get there. Although I was already warned for this: If you let them take you to your Riad they want to see money.. But hey, we didn’t have a clue where we were, so we followed the 3 guys to our Riad. After we got to the entrance things started to get a little out of hand. We gave all three guys some euros each, quite a lot for 5 minutes work, but they became angry and wanted more. We said we didn’t have more, we gave them some Snickers bars and thought it would be OK. Instead of taking the bars we gave they grabbed the whole package away from Maarten. I was starting to get angry now myself. ‘’Those respectless F*^*^* A^*^*’’, I thought. But after taking the Snickers bars they left and we decided to leave it at that. The Riad was beautiful and it even had small pool. We relaxed there for a couple of hours and later on went out to see the city with the famous Jemaa el Fna square. In the evening we watched the World Cup Final between Argentina and Germany.

The next morning we left to the airport very early and before noon we were back in Amsterdam again. ‘’We did it!’’, I thought by myself: Climbing Toubkal for the weekend! Looking back it was one of the best experiences I have had and that in just a few days. What’s going to be next, maybe Elbrus? Who knows :-) Jbel Toubkal – The Highest Peak in Morocco and North Africa | Moroccan Views travel company Moroccan Views travel company Tours and adventures in Morocco – tours and excursions from Marrakech Menu Leave a reply There are people who like sun and beach, there are some who like city walks and monuments, there are those who like discovering tradition… Morocco has everything for everyone! For those who like hiking and fresh breeze of mountains, there is the a perfect option – Toubkal Peak or Jbel Toubkal. It is a part of the Toubkal National Park and it is the highest point in the whole North Africa. Hiking to this peak requires a certain level of fitness, but it is not difficult. Moreover, once you reach the peak, you have a great feeling of achievement, since the panoramic view of Morocco is so amazing there.

From other peaks of the High Atlas mountain range to the Sahara desert – there is wonderful surprises and breathtaking scenes in every direction. The location (63km from Marrakech), medium complexity and rewarding hike make the Toubkal Peak a very popular destination for climbers and nature lovers. Most of the hikes to this 4,167m high peak, including the 2-days tour of Moroccan Views ( ), start from Imlil. It is a small village where the film “Seven Years in Tibet” with Brad Pitt was partly filmed. From the village to the refuge there is around 5 to 7 hours of hiking, with some stops for refreshment and lunch. Hot shower, dinner and a nice rest in the quiet surrounding of the mountains are perfect to gain some energy for the second day, which starts around 5 a.m. in order to avoid the suns full power. There are another 3 hours to the peak, after which you will get a magnificent reward in the form of amazing views and thin mountain air. Hike to the foothill is somewhat shorter and also includes some stops for snacks and lunch. This hiking tour provides great mental rest and physical activity which will fulfil every hiker with positive emotions and clear mind.

Sharing these moments with your friends or fellow travellers makes it even more beautiful. Book with us and see why the Toubkal Peak is one of the Moroccan biggest treasures! 🙂 contact@moroccanviews.com Rate this: Toubkal Mountain | Journeys International Journeys International Toubkal Mountain Toubkal Mountain The mountain of Toubkal is a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park. At 4,167 metres, it is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. It is located 63 km south of the city of Marrakesh, in the Toubkal National Park. The first ascent by Europeans was on 12 June 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau, but the mountain may have been climbed before that date. Trekkers usually approach the mountain from the road-end village of Imlil. Qualified local guides can be hired, as well as mules and porters, to carry equipment and food supplies higher into the mountains. For experienced mountaineers, guides are not required for the normal route, as it is an easy hike and orientation is not a problem.

The normal route starts with an easy walk to the village of Aroumd. Past Aroumd, a floodplain is crossed and the route follows the left slope of the valley southwards. The valley bends to the east to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, which has grown around a Muslim shrine. At Sidi Chamharouch, the path leads over the stream and runs steeply uphill to the right side of the Isougouane valley, which leads to two stone-built refuges (old Neltner Refuge and new Refuge du Toubkal) that are often used as base camp at 3,207 m (10,522 ft). It is possible to buy good meals in the Refuge du Toubkal. Tents can be pitched near the refuges for a small charge. From that point a path crosses the stream, climbs a steep scree slope to the east and enters a valley (corrie), then climbs another steep slope to reach a col (Tizi'n'Toubkal at 3,940m). At the col the route turns left (northwards) to the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal.

The 4,167m summit is crowned with a curious pyramidal metal frame and views take in most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains. The ascent during the summer (from May) is non-technical and easy, only complicated by steep and slippery scree slopes and altitude sickness. Sturdy boots and proper (windproof) clothing are required, and trekking poles are helpful on the scree. An ice-axe may be needed on the remaining snowfields in the early summer. It is possible to climb the mountain in two days -- first day up to the refuge (around seven hours without mules), second day to the summit (around five hours) and back to Imlil (up to five hours). In summer the mountains can be very dry, but are sometimes subject to storms. Although the temperature should remain above zero during the day, freezing conditions are possible over 3,500m. In winter the mountains are covered in snow and ice, and can be prone to avalanches. Skiing is possible, as the snow can lie to considerable depth and cover many rocky slopes. Information about state of the route can be obtained at Marrakech tourist offices or at Imlil.

Information based on Climb Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa Information Climb Mount Toubkal, Atlas Mountains, Morocco Guided trekking in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco ascending the magnificent peak of Toubkal, highest peak in north Africa, Riad Accommodation in Imil Classic trekking in the high Atlas mountains of Morocco. The high point is Jbel Toubkal at 4167 m, which is visible from the city of Marrakech. Jbel Toubkal lies in the Toubkal national park, which was created in 1942. We have a fully guided option, or self guided accommodation available in Imil at the foot of the mountain. The First Day - Marrakech to Imlil and trek to Toubkal Refuge After an early breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech, our driver will pick you up and take to to the heart of Moroccos High Atlas mountains. The trip starts from Imlil (1740m), the big berber village situated at 65km on the south of Marrakech, here you will meet the team who will accompany you during this amazing trip.

The driver will drop you off in the village, the multeers will deal with your luggage, food & all other equipment that we usually offer for our clients You start the walk with an experienced mountain guide through the berber villages following a mule track which will take you to the mountain refuge where you will have you picnic lunch prepared in advance by our cook. After lunch and a short break you continue toward the refuge (3200m) where our staff will be waiting for you with a tasty mint tea & a smile! A hot shower is available to clean your body and be ready for the next day. The Second Day Wake up early to avoid the sunny way, breakfast around 5.00am and start the ascent at 5.30am. Each one of you may need to pack his own pack-lunch. Step by step we slowly work our way up the mountain until you get to the point above the hut where you have a short break with nuts, water & oranges etc.. After 3h/4h walking up the hill, you will be able to see all the high atlas mountains, its valleys & Berber villages.

A break of 45min on the summit will allow you to take pictures & enjoy the views before starting to go back down to the refuge. A diverse lunch will be ready for you there. After lunch you walk down hill towards Imlil by the same route but you have an option to stay on the hut 2nd night depending to your flight time. Pick up from Imlil and return to your riad in Marrakech or the airport. How Much and What's Included? Prices are 1 person in the group - €275 2 persons in the group - €250 3 persons in the group - €225 4 persons in the group - €210 Includes: Trekking in Morocco Mt Toubkal 4167m is calling you! We will offer all you need to spend a perfect and a lifetime experience that you have never imagined. We are passionate about trekking in Morocco , and there is no better way to discover Atlas Mountains, its culture, and meet its people, than on foot! Whether you’re travelling in our small guided groups, alone or with friends, our hand picked programs ensure you’ll have an amazing trek! Come & Trekking in Morocco with us!

One of the best trekking areas in Morocco is Toubkal region. As you know, Mt Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa and in Morocco. It is not that far away from Marrakech city. It takes around 1h30 drive to Imlil valley which is the closer starting point of trekking tours towards this highest peak in Morocco. You would need at least 2 days so as to climb up Mt Toubkal, but this is possible if you are fit enough; otherwise it would be better to opt for the 3 days trek which will give enough time to acclimitize and relax after the climb! In addition to trekking in toubkal, you can do other outdoor activities such as mountain biking which can be done from 1 day trip up to 6 days mountain biking around the high atlas mountains and berber villages & valleys. Moreover, you can do ski touring in the high atlas mountains in winter time from end of December till March; we have off piste skiing tours from 2 days up to 6 days skiing in toubkal area. We have other outdoor activities such as horse riding & camel riding in high atlas mountains; we have days trips or long trips too!

Another thing, Toubkal area is not the only region where we run our tours, but there are other nice places too such as Mt Mgoun, Mt Siroua, Mt Saghro, Sahara, and Imperial cities! HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS Morocco Trekking Trekking through Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The High Atlas is one of three components of the chain of the Moroccan's Atlas. This marks a massive climatic border between the lands of the ocean and those of Moroccan desert , because beyond the High Atlas, the arid expanses of the Sahara begins. Highlight and emblematic site in the region, Jebel Toubkal peaks at over 4000 meters altitude, a visible peak from Marrakech! The High Atlas divides itself into various more or less ancient geological areas and landscapes of this region are as rich and varied between spectacular formation born of chaos reliefs to plateaus and valleys cultivated by the Berber population, who inhabited these places for thousands of years. The Moroccan Sahara is mainly made up of a big rocky plain, which runs from the feet of the Atlantis on the North/East almost to the Atlantic coast, south of Agadir.

In Morocco, the desert moves smoothly, the Draa Valley or Wadi Ziz strung a string of villages and lush palm groves, before losing in the dunes of the erg (Chebbi or labidia), which lie at the foot highland last relief before Algeria.Even within the desert you can enjoy different landscapes: the dry, thorny plain where jackals and camels live, the Sahara desert: reign of scorpions and snakes or the northern oasis full of bustle and life. The choice is yours. Trekking in Morocco's sahara is a lifetime experience! A trip to the Sahara desert is definitely an experience everyone should do at least once in his life. The beauty of the desert, its contrasts, its colors, its silence, many memories you will never forget. You walk on foot in the desert with camels carrying your luggage and supplies , and a professional guide as well as a cook who prepares delicious food for your everyday. It is a marvellous experience, just give it a try! come & join us in trekking in morocco's desert in winter time! Atlas Mountains Trek | Ryder Walker Trip Highlights: Climb Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa.

Sip tea on the veranda of Les Mouflons, an elegant climber’s hut on the flanks of Jbel Toubkal. Visit the port city of Essaouira, famous for its fortified medina, “old city”— a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Morocco, the Atlas Mountains rise against the burnt-orange sunset, violet rays radiating across the wide desert plateaus, bleached white beaches, and pastel medieval buildings. As you walk across the sand, through the busy markets bustling with wild sounds, colors, and smells, through small mountain hamlets seemingly carved into the peaks, you can feel the antiquity of the land beneath your feet. To travel to Morocco is to be overcome by the strength and power of the landscape, the history, and the people. The Atlas Mountains Trek begins in the walled imperial city of Marrakesh, founded in the eleventh century. The wall surrounding the city spans nearly 12 miles, with 200 watchtowers spread across its length, alternating between red and pink hues. Next, you’re off to the mountain hamlet of Imlil, with its green terraced farms, renowned as the perfect spot to begin any hiking or trekking trip through the Atlas Mountains.

Indeed, you will take advantage of Imlil’s treasures, staying at beautifully appointed huts, (with real beds, exceptional food, indoor plumbing, showers etc.), and climaxing with the ascent of the Toubkal (13,671 feet), the highest mountain in North Africa. Afterwards, you will travel to Essaouira for a night of pure bliss watching the sunset over the Atlantic and the western shores of Africa, before travelling back to Marrakech for a final night of festivity. Toubkal - Wikitravel Toubkal Jump to: navigation , search Toubkal (Berber:, Adrar n Tubkal; Arabic: جبل توبقال‎) is a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park. At 4,167 metres (13,671 ft), it is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. It is located 63 km south of the city of Marrakesh, in the Toubkal National Park.

The first ascent by Europeans was on 12 June 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau, but the mountain may have been climbed before that date.[3] Stone-built refuges used at base camp. Birds soaring above the path to the summit. Jbel Toubkal in December 1930. Air photo taken by Swiss pilot and photographer Walter Mittelholzer. Trekkers usually approach the mountain from the road-end village of Imlil. Qualified local guides can be hired, as well as mules and porters, to carry equipment and food supplies higher into the mountains. For experienced mountaineers, guides are not required for the normal route, as it is a moderate hike and orientation is not a problem. The normal route starts with an easy walk to the village of Aroumd. Past Aroumd a floodplain is crossed and the route follows the left slope of the valley southwards. The valley bends to the east to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, which has grown around a Muslim shrine.

At Sidi Chamharouch, the path leads over the stream and runs steeply uphill to the right side of the Isougouane valley, which leads to two stone-built refuges (old Neltner Refuge and new Refuge du Toubkal) that are often used as base camp at 3,207 m (10,522 ft). It is possible to buy good meals in the Refuge du Toubkal. Tents can be pitched near the refuges for a small charge. From that point a path crosses the stream, climbs a steep scree slope to the east and enters a valley (corrie), then climbs another steep slope to reach a col (Tizi'n'Toubkal at 3,940m). At the col the route turns left (northwards) to the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal. The 4,167m summit is crowned with a curious pyramidal metal frame and views take in most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains. The ascent during the summer (from May) is non-technical yet moderately difficult, only complicated by steep and slippery scree slopes and altitude sickness.

Sturdy boots and proper (windproof) clothing are required, and trekking poles are helpful on the scree. An ice-axe may be needed on the remaining snowfields in the early summer. The ascent during the end of the winter and spring (February/March) is more difficult. Crampons are necessary to ascend through the snow and - in some cases - ice. It is possible to climb the mountain in two days - first day up to the refuge (around seven hours without mules), second day to the summit (around five hours) and back to Imlil (up to five hours). In summer the mountains can be very dry, but are sometimes subject to storms. Although the temperature should remain above zero during the day, freezing conditions are possible over 3,500m. In winter the mountains are covered in snow and ice, and can be prone to avalanches. Skiing is possible as the snow can lie to considerable depth and cover many rocky slopes. Information about state of the route can be obtained at Marrakech tourist offices or at Imlil.

[1] Morocco walking holidays: Hiking up Jbel Toubkal, North Africa's highest mountain | Daily Mail Online comments There are some places so precious that you scarcely want to share them. The Kasbah du Toubkal retreat, located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, is one of these. It’s only a one-hour drive from the maddening medinas of Marrakech but it feels remote. Perhaps it’s the winding drive up the lower foothills, or the mule that’s waiting to carry your luggage when the road unexpectedly finishes, but by the time you push open the old large wooden doors to the Kasbah everything else feels a world away. The product of a Berber and European partnership, the Kasbah is run solely by locals who believe the beauty of the Toubkal National Park should be accessible to all. To this end, the Kasbah, which funds local educational projects and has been awarded several environmental awards, has a range of rooms from their basic yet comfortable dorms to luxurious suites.

Mountain high: Just one hour from Marrakech lies the little-known hideaway of Kasbah du Toubkal But whether you pay 40 euros or 400 euros, the highlight of the Kasbah is the shared space. On our first morning, we found ourselves drinking in the 360-degree panorama of the mountains from the roof terrace as we sipped our mint tea. I had planned the week-long trip to celebrate my dad’s 62nd birthday and we had set ourselves the challenge of climbing the highest peak in Northern Africa. The four-day trek was to take us from the arable low valleys to the summit of Jbel Toubkal, standing at 4,167 metres. With Mohammed the guide, Mohammed the cook, Mohammed the Muleteer and his trusty mule we set off. All the arrangements were organised by the Kasbah and the logistics of the operation were flawless. The first day's venture to the Azzaden trekking lodge took us through green valleys, fields of fruit trees and past Berber villages. Electricity has only come to some of the villages in the last fifteen years and there are visible remnants of the ancient, seemingly biblical past.

An easy four to five hour walk from the Kasbah, the lodge is a good day trip for families or those seeking a manageable trek with spectacular views. On the second day we started to climb, passing through the scree-filled gorge to find a large, pillow-plumped carpet laid by Mohammed-the-chef beside a waterfall. A delicious, three-course meal was miraculously rustled up and as my dad and I settled down to enjoy the sunlight reflecting off the snow-capped peaks, I began to think our fears about the ascent were somewhat exaggerated. The only way is up: Melanie's dad gazes at the summit from the comfort of the Kasbah Famous last words. As we passed the 2,500metre mark, the wind picked up and the mountain felt less hospitable. Mohammed-the-muleteer left as the path became too tricky for the mule and promised to meet us at Toubkal basecamp. It proved to be a long walk and we arrived at Refuge de la Tazarhart, perched at 3,000 metres, tired and hungry. With only one main room we found space on the floor for our sleeping bags and tried to rest amongst the snoring bodies.

My dad had developed a headache and could not sleep, which we hoped was just light altitude sickness that would rapidly disappear. We had left the well-provisioned hotels of our first two nights far behind and these communal lodges, high in the mountains, were to be our resting places for the next two. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share We waited, listening to the deafening wind, for the sun to rise and at 6am we put on our crampons and grabbed our ice picks. Mohammed-the-guide gently warned us that this day would be long as we passed over the summit of Tazarhart at 3,900 metres in order to arrive at the Toubkal lodge. We spent the day in silence, bent double, low to the ground as we ascended, trying to stay on our feet in the face of brutal winds. Crossing narrow, icy shelves over drops of hundreds of metres gave me the adrenaline kick I’d been secretly holding out for. We saw no fellow Gore-Tex-clad climbers all day and, crouching behind a rock for respite, the arable plains below seemed very far away.

Eight hours of trekking through great white peaks, deep gorges and striking changes in rock formation, and we finally arrived at Toubkal lodge - positioned at the foot of the highest mountain in Northern Africa. Leading the way: Mohammed (the guide) kept Melanie and her dad's spirits up through altitude sickness and high winds For those keen on a shortcut, there is actually a six-hour walk from the village of Imlil, where our first night Kasbah was located, direct to the basecamp, but why make things easy on yourself, the longer hike is well worth it. The basecamp has two large popular lodges with bunk beds to accommodate a couple of hundred people and it is less than 1,000 metres from the summit. But looking at the ant-sized silhouettes on the steep, white ridges, the top of North Africa still seemed a long way off. My dad's altitude sickness was getting worse, but we both knew he would not sit it out. It started off disastrously. He was stopping every 20 steps and his crampons kept coming loose. He was increasingly uncommunicative and I began to fear my travel piece would turn into an obituary.

But after a rest and a consultation with Mohammed-the-guide, dad's nausea eased and we began to make slow tracks upwards. Four exhausting hours later, we reached the summit. It was all you could hope for - scattered clouds skidding along below with long vistas over the Atlas range and beyond. We sat together, amongst the other climbers, soaking up the phenomenal view and enjoying the communal elation and relief that was in the air. Happy birthday dad, sorry there's no birthday cake. But his broad smile said it all. Neither of us wanted to descend to the plains and head back to the chaos of Marrakech, wishing we could stay in the wind-whipped mountains where the sun was bright and the air fresh. Worth the walk: Melanie takes in the view across the Atlas Mountains after a tough final day It was with aching legs and a sense of accomplishment that we made our way back to the city and the welcoming luxury of Dar Zemora. The hotel was an unexpected treat. An oasis in the palm-groved area of the Palmeraie, yet 10 minutes from the bustling medina, Dar Zemora is an intimate spot with just six sumptuously-decorated rooms.

My suite, complete with a private garden, oozed elegant luxury – cool marble, carved wood, painted ceilings and antique furnishings. Memories of bunk beds and sleeping bags were immediately banished. As we sat between the free-flowing pool and picturesque croquet lawn, taking in the smells of the spectacular rose garden, and eating homemade cake, we planned our next climb. The luxury of Dar Zemora was welcome but the end of our adventure was not. Travel Facts Kasbah du Toubkal: Dormitories start at 40 euros (around £36) and doubles start at 160 euros (around £142). A standard package for a two-day ascent of Toubklal (including a guide, cook, mules, muleteers, overnight accommodation and food) costs 225 euros (around £200) per person. More information can be found at Dar Zemora Hotel, Marrakesh: Double rooms from 185 euros (£165) and suites from 275 euros (£245). Visit

Question: Of which African mountain range is Jbel Toubkal the highest peak?
Answer: THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS